The Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) has expressed worries over the growing trend of unprofessional conduct among some “media practitioners” at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and has put in place measures to address this issue.
The main goal is to ensure that journalists behave appropriately at the media tribunes.
On Friday, February 2, 2024, CAF held a meeting with the Local Organizing Committee (“COCAN”) and Police to address the situation and find viable solutions.
CAF has reached out to several organizations representing journalists and has raised serious concerns regarding the behavior of some “journalists” in media tribunes, media centers, and mixed zones.
While it is understandable that we are all passionate football fans and support our national teams, journalists are expected to adhere to professional standards.
Fans are not permitted in the Media Tribune – there are ample seats at the Stadium for them.
Key points to note include:
- Any media practitioner who engages in wild celebrations and abuses other media colleagues will be immediately escorted out by Security and their Accreditation will be revoked.
- Any media representative involved in a fight in media areas or physical altercations will have their Accreditation withdrawn.
- Any journalist (Non-Rights Holder) who films in the Media Tribune will be removed and their Accreditation revoked.
- Any media practitioner who uses vulgar language in media areas, whether against Coaches, Players, or peers, will have their Accreditation withdrawn.
- Any journalist live streaming in the Mixed Zone will have their Accreditation revoked.
- The use of Drones is strictly prohibited.
- Media is not permitted to film inside the stadium (Only in the media center and press conference room).
